THE MAN WHO BELIEVED IN GIVING EVERYONE CHANCE

Although a multitude of words can be used to depict Bishop Dr. Bell, only one can really recapitulate this man of God. The word that can best characterize this faithful servant is love because this is all he had for God’s people. Bishop Dr. Reginald Bell was the second of four children, born August 20, 1957, to the late Mr. Henry Bell and Reverend Willie B Bell. Although Mr. Henry Bell never confessed to being a minister, he was constantly led by God to help those in need. Also, Reverend Willie B Bell didn’t proclaim her ministry until late in her life, but God extended her time on earth to preach His Gospel to the unbelievers. As children, often times being the second of four children, the middle child feels that he or she is being overlooked for not being the oldest or the youngest. Bishop Bell found himself in this same situation. He tried many things growing up and nothing seemed to satisfy his desire of being a part of something. However, in the summer of 1978, Reginald Bell gave his life to Christ and became a member of Mc Calla AME Zion under the leadership of Reverend Alfonzo Petway. After becoming a child of God, Bishop Bell finally felt like he became a part of something, and he felt needed. After two years with Mc Calla AME Zion, God called Bishop Bell to visit The Bible Way House of Prayer, Inc. for the first time in the winter of 1980 and the next Sunday he became a member of this prestigious church. While listening, understanding, and implementing God’s Word that was being taught to him under Bishop Clinton and Mother Dorothy Ansley, God began to bless and use Bishop Bell in a miraculous way. Bishop Bell became a Sunday school teacher, the chairman of the deacon board, and later a minister. But, before Bishop Dr. Bell acknowledged his ministry, he attempted to keep it a secret because his season to confess his ministry had not come. In 1986, Bishop Bell acknowledged and accepted his call to preach and teach God’s word. Dr. Bell believed in being obedient to leadership; it is one of his philosophies. Because of his obedience to his leaders, God made him a leader to watch over His people. Bishop became Senior Pastor of The Bible Way House of Prayer, Inc. in the summer of 1991. Bishop knew that this task was of high value and honor and accepted this position with pride and gracious gratitude. Because of Bishop’s humble attitude and obedient spirit, God continually anointed him with His wisdom and used him to help deliver God’s people. Throughout his early ministry, Bishop Dr. Bell introduced the proposal to purchase a 15-passenger van and a 29-passenger bus for God’s people and through Bishop Bell’s leadership and the members’ tenacity, the church was able to purchase these items debt-free. God then gave Dr. Bell a vision of a new sanctuary because souls were constantly being added and the old sanctuary became too congested. In 1998, the vision can into fruition and our dedication service was held and years later we are still thriving. In 2003, after 12 years of leadership, Bishop Dr. Bell heard a voice from God saying, “What is your vision as pastor?” Not understanding what was being said, God asked Bishop again and again. God was letting Bishop Bell know that He chose him to pastor. God was informing Bishop Bell that he was still carrying out his pastor’s dreams and not fulfilling his own. Realizing what God was informing him, Bishop Bell started pursuing the visions, dreams, and aspirations God had given him which is to reach out to the youth so that they can become kings and queens in the Kingdom of God. In 2018, Bishop Bell received his Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Thomas Christian University. Because of the new methodology of preaching, Bishop formulated the church’s motto as being a church that believes in giving everyone a chance so that the gift God has given to a person can be manifested. God told Dr. Bell that it was time to pay the church off. From 2018 to 2022, the members and supporters of the ministry worked diligently to achieve that goal. Our church became debt-free. Dr. Bell wanted this to occur so that people would not have to worry about having a place to worship God. Dr. Bell faithfully preached and taught God's Word until God called him home on 7/28/2023.  He was truly an inspirational to all and will be severely missed by his loving wife, Overseer Diana Bell, his children, his family, and his church family. We cannot thank him enough for the dedication that he had to God's people. Now, he can rest well until the true believers see him again.